Membrane ultrafiltration: the diafiltration technique and its application to microsolute exchange and binding phenomena

Bioavailability and Biological Disposition of Methaqualone*

The absorption of methaqualone from the gastro-intestinal tract is a dissolution—and not a permeability-rate limited process. Absorption from solution dosage forms can occur throughout the gastro-intestinal tract with maximum absorption from the intestine. Dissolution of solid dosage forms is favoured in the highly-acidic environment of the stomach and absorption of the in situ dissolved drug occurs in both stomach and upper small intestine. Methaqualone is found primarily in the plasma phase of whole blood and is highly bound to plasma proteins. The plasma elimination curve is biexponential with a rapid distributive phase and a slow elimination phase. The principle tissues of distribution are the metabolic and excretory tissues—liver and kidney — and lipid tissue. Metabolism occurs by hydroxylation of the methyl, tolyl and quinazolinone substituents via inducible hepatic microsomal oxidoreductases. Methaqualone is completely bio-transformed and excreted as O-glucuronide conjugates in urine and bile. Enterohepatic recirculation of metabolites occurs and is responsible for the prolonged urinary excretion profile. There is no change in absorption, distribution or elimination kinetics following chronic administration in man.

Tablet and capsule formulations with good in vitro dissolution, stability and bioavailability characteristics were developed. Equivalent bioavailability of these tablet formulations was observed in the fasted and post-prandial state. Techniques were developed to correlate dissolution and absorption profiles of these formulations.

An alternate diafiltration strategy to mitigate protein precipitation for low solubility proteins

Application of the minimum diafiltration (DF) time solution for a monoclonal antibody resulted in a 20-h process time rather than the expected 12 h. Further investigation indicated high turbidity associated with a product solubility issue that caused a flux decline. As a result, the gel flux model and the associated minimum DF time were not predictive. Multiwell plate solubility screening confirmed that the protein passed through a region of low solubility during the ultrafiltration step. Multiple approaches to address this issue were considered and a new strategy involving variable volume diafiltration (VVDF) was developed. Process modeling and simulation were used to predict performance and to select a value of the DF ratio control parameter (buffer flow/permeate flow = 0.65). Feasibility testing at the bench and pilot scales confirmed that the new strategy reduced solubility issues, fit within existing manufacturing tank volume and system area constraints, matched model predictions, and did not present significant implementation issues. Recommendations are made regarding the general value of this strategy, when it should be used, and how to implement it.

Theoretical aspects of the quantitative characterization of ligand binding

Living organisms grow, differentiate, reproduce, and respond to their environment via specific and integrated interactions between biomolecules. The investigation of molecular interactions therefore constitutes a major area of biochemical study, occupying a ubiquitous and central position between molecular physiology on the one hand and structural chemistry on the other. While specificity resides in the details of structural recognition, the dynamic interplay between biomolecules is orchestrated precisely by the thermodynamics of the biomolecular equilibria involved. A common set of physicochemical principles applies to all such phenomena, irrespective of whether the interaction of interest involves an enzyme and its substrate or inhibitor, a hormone or growth factor and its receptor, an antibody and its antigen, or, indeed, the binding of effector molecules that modulate these interactions. The binding affinity, binding specificity, number of binding sites per molecule, as well as the enthalpic and entropic contributions to the binding energy are common parameters that assist an understanding of the biochemical outcome. This unit aims to provide an overview of the design and interpretation of binding experiments.

Development of a nanofiltration process to improve the stability of a novel anti-MRSA carbapenem drug candidate

The benzenesulfonate salt of an anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carbapenem antibiotic studied is a crystalline, nonhygroscopic powder which is stable at room temperature, making it an ideal compound for long-term storage. However, the limited aqueous solubility of this salt prohibits parenteral administration. Conversely, the chloride salt of this carbapenem demonstrates opposing characteristics; it is quantitatively soluble in water, however is amorphous and subject to significant hydrolytic degradation in the solid state. Given two such extreme alternatives for pharmaceutical salt selection, a common approach taken is to develop the bioavailable salt and devise manufacturing and storage conditions that minimize degradation. This report describes a different approach to this manufacturing dilemma via the application of a simple and efficient nanofiltration process to convert the benzenesulfonate salt (storage entity) to the chloride salt (formulated drug product). Such an approach combines the positive attributes of these two salt forms into a single scalable process that reduces processing cycle times via elimination of redundant unit operations, increases the flexibility in manufacturing schedule, and improves overall product quality.

Changes in platelet activation associated with left ventricular assist system placement

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications are common in patients after left ventricular assist system (LVAS) placement. Platelet physiology may be involved in these complications.

METHODS

Using flow cytometry, expression of CD62P and CD63 were analyzed as markers of platelet activation. Binding of annexin V was analyzed to determine platelet membrane asymmetry. Results from two patients who received a Novacor LVAS as a bridge to transplantation are reported.

RESULTS

Patients' platelets showed increased CD62P and CD63 expression, yet annexin V binding was not increased. They also revealed suppression of thrombin activation following LVAS placement, which approached normal after transplantation. Heparin suppressed thrombin activation, whereas aspirin or dipyridamole did not. Suppression was attenuated by protamine sulfate and heparinase.

CONCLUSIONS

Following LVAS placement, resting platelets demonstrate increased expression of activation markers.

Micro flow bio-molecular computation

In this paper we provide a model for micro-flow based bio-molecular computation (MF-BMC). It provides an abstraction for the design of algorithms which account for the constraints of the model. Our MF-BMC model uses abstractions of both the recombinant DNA (RDNA) technology as well as of the micro-flow technology and takes into account both of their limitations. For example, when considering the efficiency of the recombinant DNA operation of annealing, we take into account the limitation imposed by the concentration of the reactants. The fabrication technology used to construct MEMS is limited to constructing relatively thin 3D structures. We abstract this by limiting the model to a small constant number of layers (as is done with VLSI models). Besides our contribution of the MF-BMC model, the paper contains two other classes of results. The main result is the volume and time efficient algorithm for message routing in the MF-BMC model, specifically useful for PA-Match. We will show that routing of strands between chambers will occur in time O(N x D/ m x n), where N is the number of strands in the MF-BMC, n is the number of chambers where RDNA operations are occurring, D is the diameter of the topology of the layout of the chambers, and m is proportional to the channel width. Operations that need annealing, such as PA-Match, are shown feasible in O(N2logN/n/n) volume instead of the previous use of omega(N2) volume, with reasonable time constraints. Applications of the volume efficient algorithm include the use of the Join operation for databases, logarithmic depth solutions to SAT (Boolean formula satisfiability) problems and parallel algorithms that execute on a PRAM. Existent algorithms can be mapped to ones that work efficiently in the MF-BMC model, whereas previous methods for applications such as PRAM simulation in BMC were not both time and volume efficient. Our other class of results are theoretical lower bounds on the quantities of DNA and the time needed to solve a problem in the MF-BMC model, analogous to lower bounds in VLSI. We bound the product BT from below, and further show that BT2 has a stronger lower bound of I2. Here B is the maximum amount of information encoded in the MF-BMC system at a time. T is the time for an algorithm to complete, and I is the information content of a problem.

Ligand binding to macromolecules or micelles: use of centrifugal ultrafiltration to measure low-affinity binding

We describe a method for estimating ligand binding to a macromolecular sample under conditions where this binding is of low affinity and must be measured under equilibrium conditions, without removal of the unbound ligand. The method is based on centrifugal ultrafiltration through a membrane with a molecular mass cut-off intermediate between that of the ligand and that of the target, and the amount of bound ligand is calculated from the difference between the (total) ligand in the concentrated sample and the (free) ligand in the ultrafiltrate. Centrifugal ultrafiltration makes it possible to separate free ligand from bound ligand (without changing its concentration) and to simultaneously concentrate the target (such that the proportion of bound ligand becomes significant, even under low-affinity binding conditions). We applied this technique, using Centricon 10 (Amicon) devices, to several cases (soluble proteins, intact membranes, detergent-solubilized proteins, and pure detergent micelles) and assessed its value with respect to the common artifacts that occur in other protocols involving protein retention on nitrocellulose filters (nonspecific ligand adsorption and protein denaturation).

The role of calcium-binding sites in S-modulin function

S-modulin controls rhodopsin phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner, and it has been suggested that it modulates the light sensitivity of the photoreceptor cell. S-modulin binds to the ROS membrane at high Ca2+ concentration, and N-terminal myristoylation is necessary for this property (the calcium-myristoyl switch). S-modulin has four EF-hand motifs, of which two (EF-2 and -3) are functional. Here, we report on the roles of EF-2 and -3 in S-modulin function (calcium binding, membrane association, and inhibition of rhodopsin phosphorylation) by site-directed mutants (E85M and E121M). Surprisingly, E121M, which has a mutation in EF-3, neither binds Ca2+ nor inhibits phosphorylation. In contrast, E85M binds one Ca2+ and has the same membrane affinity as wild-type S-modulin, but has lost the ability to inhibit rhodopsin phosphorylation. It is suggested that the binding of Ca2+ to EF-3 is probably required for EF-2 to be a functional Ca2+-binding site and to induce exposure of the myristoyl group; and that the binding of Ca2+ to EF-2 is important for the interaction with rhodopsin kinase.

Pulsed ultrafiltration characterization of binding

We describe a new method for measuring binding constants, pulsed ultrafiltration. In this technique, a single injection or "pulse" of ligand is passed through a cell containing macromolecules confined by a conventional ultrafiltration membrane. Any binding of the ligand to the macromolecule alters the elution profile of the ligand. We describe this interaction by a set of coupled differential equations whose solution allows us to extract the binding density as a function of free ligand concentration eluting from the cell. A method of comparing elution profile areas which leads to values for both binding affinity and stoichiometry is also presented. We show that the pulsed ultrafiltration method can generate an extensive binding isotherm with a dense set of data points over a wide range of binding densities. We apply the method to several model ligand-macromolecule binding systems to demonstrate the measurement of equilibrium association constants and binding stoichiometry, the accuracy and precision of the method, and temperature dependence of binding. In general, our results agree with those from the literature, and they show that the approach is a fast and flexible method for characterizing ligand-macromolecule binding.

Immunocytochemical phenotyping of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow by uPA receptor and CK18: investigation of sensitivity and specificity of an immunogold/alkaline phosphatase double staining protocol

Phenotyping of cytokeratin (CK)18-positive cells in bone marrow is gaining increasing importance for future prognostic screening of carcinoma patients. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPA-R) is one example of a potential aggressive marker for those cells. However, a valid and reliable double staining method is needed. Using monoclonal antibodies against uPA-R and CK18, we modified an immunogold/alkaline phosphatase double staining protocol. UPA-R/CK18-positive tumor cell controls exhibited black uPA-R staining in 15-80% of cases and red CK18 staining in almost 100% of tumor cells. Isotype- and cross-matched controls were completely negative. Bone marrow from healthy donors was always CK18-negative. Reproducibility of CK18-positive cell detection was estimated in a series of specimens from 61 gastric cancer patients comparatively stained with the single alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) and our double staining method (10(6) bone marrow cells/patient). In four cases, double staining could not reproduce CK18-positive cells. In 34 cases it revealed fewer or equal numbers, and in 23 cases more CK18-positive cells than the APAAP method. Overall quantitative analysis of detected cell numbers (838 in APAAP, range 1-280 in 10(6); double staining 808, range 0-253) demonstrated relative reproducibility of APAAP results by double staining of 97%. Correlation of results between both methods was significant (p < 0.001, linear regression). Sensitivity of double staining tested in logarithmic tumor cell dilutions was one CK18-positive cell in 300,000. Specific uPA-R staining was seen on CK18-positive cells in bone marrow from 29 of 61 patients, and also on single surrounding bone marrow cells. To test the specificity of this staining, bone marrow cytospins from 10 patients without tumor disease were stained for uPA-R with the APAAP method. uPA-R expression was confirmed in all 10 cases, with a mean of 6.5% uPA-R-positive cells in 1000 bone marrow cells (SEM 1.2%). These results suggest that our double staining protocol is a sensitive, reproducible, and specific method for routine uPA-R phenotyping of disseminated CK18-positive cells in bone marrow of carcinoma patients.

Immunocytochemical detection and phenotypic characterization of micrometastatic tumour cells in bone marrow of patients with prostate cancer

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for cytokeratins are potent probes for the identification of disseminated individual epithelial tumour cells in mesenchymal organs such as bone marrow. We have used a monoclonal antibody (mAB) against cytokeratin 18 (CK18) for the detection of individual metastatic tumour cells in bone marrow aspirates from 84 patients with carcinoma of the prostate. CK18+ cells were detected in a sensitivity of 1 per 8 x 10(5) marrow cells using the alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) system for staining. We were able to detect CK18+ tumour cells in the marrow of 33% of patients with stage N0M0 prostate cancers. The incidence of CK18+ cells showed a significant correlation with established risk factors, such as local tumour extent, distant metastases and tumour differentiation. For further characterization of such cells in patients with prostate cancer, we developed an immunocytochemical procedure for simultaneous labelling of cytokeratin component no. 18 (CK18) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In a first step, cells were incubated with a murine mAb against PSA, followed by gold-conjugated goat anti-mouse antibodies. In a second step, a biotinylated mAb to CK18 was applied as primary antibody and subsequently incubated with complexes of streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase, which were developed with Newfuchsin substrate. The binding of gold-labelled antibodies was visualized by silver enhancement. CK18+ cells co-expressing PSA were found in bone marrow aspirates from 5 out of 14 patients with carcinomas of the prostate. The specificity of CK18 for epithelial tumour cells in bone marrow was supported by negative staining of 12 control aspirates from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunocytochemical double staining of cytokeratin and prostate specific antigen in individual prostatic tumour cells

Early dissemination of malignant cells is the main cause for metastatic relapse in patients with solid tumours. By use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for cytokeratins, disseminated individual epithelial tumour cells can now be identified in mesenchymal organs such as bone marrow. Further to characterize such cells in patients with prostate cancer, an immunocytochemical procedure was developed for simultaneous labelling of cytokeratin component no. 18 (CK18) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). In a first step, cells were incubated with mAb ER-PR8 against PSA and secondary gold-conjugated goat anti-mouse antibodies. In a second step, biotinylated mAb CK2 to CK18 was applied as primary antibody and subsequently incubated with complexes of streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase, which were developed with the Newfuchsin substrate. The binding of gold-labelled antibodies was visualized by silver enhancement. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique was demonstrated on cryostat sections of hyperplastic prostatic tissue, and cytological preparations of LNCaP prostatic tumour cells. Double staining was restricted to cells derived from the secretory epithelium of the prostate. Cross-reactivity between both detection systems was excluded by several controls, including the use of unrelated antibodies of the same isotype and the staining of CK18+/PSA- HT29 colon carcinoma cells. CK18+ cells co-expressing PSA were found in bone marrow aspirates from 5 out of 13 patients with carcinomas of the prostate, a finding that is consistent with the relative fraction of double-positive LNCaP cells. The specificity of CK18 for epithelial tumour cells in bone marrow was supported by negative staining of 12 control aspirates from patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and characterization of a novel 12,000-Da calcium binding protein from smooth muscle

A new low molecular weight calcium binding protein, designated 12-kDa CaBP, has been isolated from chicken gizzard using a phenyl-Sepharose affinity column followed by ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatographies. The isolated protein was homogeneous and has a molecular weight of 12,000 based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. The amino acid composition of this protein is similar to but distinct from other known low molecular weight Ca2+ binding proteins. Ca2+ binding assays using Arsenazo III (Sigma) indicated that the protein binds 1 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein. The 12-kDa CaBP underwent a conformational change upon binding Ca2+, as revealed by uv difference spectroscopy and circular dichroism studies in the aromatic and far-ultraviolet range. Addition of Ca2+ to the 12-kDa CaBP labeled with 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) resulted in a sevenfold increase in fluorescence intensity, accompanied by a blue shift of the emission maximum from 463 to 445 nm. Hence, the probe in the presence of Ca2+ moves to a more nonpolar microenvironment. Like calmodulin and other related Ca2+ binding proteins, this protein also exposes a hydrophobic site upon binding calcium. Fluorescence titration with Ca2+ using TNS-labeled protein revealed the presence of a single high affinity calcium binding site (kd approximately 1 x 10(-6) M).

A simple method of concentrating monoclonal antibodies from culture supernatant by ultrafiltration

How to obtain concentrated monoclonal antibodies from culture supernatant is of great importance to many scientists today. In this report, a simple, single-step technique is described to concentrate monoclonal antibodies directly from hybridoma-culture supernatant. The contaminants can be removed from the supernatant by using an ultrafiltration unit which allows macromolecules of less than 100,000 MW to pass through leaving behind monoclonal antibodies which is purified and concentrated more than 25-fold.

Purification and spectral studies on the Ca2+-binding properties of 67 kDa calcimedin

The 67 kDa calcimedin, isolated by using a phenyl-Sepharose affinity column followed by DEAE-cellulose and gel-filtration chromatographies, was homogeneous by the criterion of SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. In non-SDS gels, the protein moved faster in the presence of EDTA, suggesting that Ca2+ binding affects its mobility in a manner similar to other Ca2+-binding proteins such as calmodulin and S-100 proteins. The 67 kDa protein underwent a conformational change upon binding Ca2+, as revealed by u.v. difference spectroscopy and near-u.v. c.d. measurements. Tryptophan and tyrosine residues were perturbed upon Ca2+ binding, moving to a more non-polar environment in the presence of Ca2+. Upon excitation of the protein at 280 nm, the fluorescence emission maximum was centered around 325 nm, suggesting that the tryptophan residues are located in a fairly hydrophobic region. Ca2+ addition did not induce a significant change in the intrinsic protein fluorescence intensity at 325 nm. Addition of Ca2+ to the 67 kDa protein labelled with 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulphone (TNS) resulted in a 25% increase in fluorescence intensity, accompanied by a blue shift of the emission maximum from 442 to 432 nm. Hence, the probe in the presence of Ca2+ moves to a more non-polar microenvironment, like calmodulin and other Ca2+-binding proteins. Fluorescence titration with Ca2+ using TNS-labelled protein revealed one class of binding site, with a Kd value of 2 x 10(-5) M.

Altered molecular properties of tubulin in a multidrug-resistant variant of Chinese hamster cells selected for resistance to vinca alkaloids

The basis for the markedly altered intracellular binding of [3H]vincristine in a multidrug-resistant variant (DC-3F/VCRd-5L) of Chinese hamster lung cells (DC-3F) was investigated. Binding of [3H]vincristine by protein in cytosol derived from each cell type exhibited a differing requirement for GTP in MgCl2 containing buffer of low-ionic strength. Binding of [3H]vincristine occurred to cytosolic protein derived from both variant and parental DC-3F cells, but after removal of GTP, binding only occurred to cytosolic protein from parental cells regardless of the presence of added GTP. Although binding by cytosolic protein from parental DC-3F cells did not require GTP, the addition of 0.1 mM GTP increased by two-fold the rate and extent of binding. When cytosol from variant and parental DC-3F cells was incubated with low concentrations of [3H]vincristine in high-ionic strength buffer and analyzed by molecular-sieve HPLC, most of the protein binding [3H]vincristine in parentally derived cytosol eluted as Mr 110,000-115,000 daltons, corresponding to that for dimeric tubulin. The same binding species was not detected in cytosol derived from variant cells. However, these same fractions derived with both parental and variant cytosols contained tubulin as shown by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. A smaller peak of [3H]vincristine binding and an amount of tubulin equal to that found in later fractions were found in the void volume during the same HPLC elution runs with cytosol from both variant and parental DC-3F cells. Evidence was also obtained for differences between parental and variant DC-3F cells in beta-tubulin isoforms following isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. Parental-cell cytosol contains a single isoform of beta-tubulin. However, in variant cell cytosol the same isoform and, in addition, three more basic isoforms were found. These alterations in [3H]vincristine binding and in isoform compositions of beta-tubulin in variant versus parental DC-3F cells may have importance in regard to vincristine resistance in DC-3F cells.

Membrane bioreactors: Engineering aspects

Membrane bioreactors have in-situ separation capability lacking in other types of immobilized cell reactors. This makes them very useful for certain systems. Enzyme reactions utilizing cofactors and hydrolysis of macromolecules are advantageous in membrane reactors. Anaerobic cell culture may be efficiently carried out in membrane cell recycle systems, while aerobic cultures work well in dual hollow fiber reactors. Animal and plant cells have much a better chance of success in membrane reactors because of the protective environment of the reactor and the small oxygen uptake rate of these cells.

Ca2+ and Zn2+-binding properties of nitrated S-100b protein from bovine brain

The single tyrosine residue in S-100b protein was nitrated by treatment with tetranitromethane in 0.1 M-Tris/HCl buffer, pH 8.0, containing 2 mM-EDTA. The nitrated protein did not differ significantly in secondary structure from its native unmodified counterpart, as revealed by far-u.v. c.d. measurements. The effect of Ca2+ on the modified protein was different from that on the native protein, e.g. addition of Ca2+ resulted in a loss of helical content from 55 to 47% with the native protein whereas Ca2+ had no significant effect on the gross conformation of the nitrated derivative. Near-u.v. c.d. studies also indicated a very minimal effect on the tyrosine residue and this was also reflected in the u.v.-absorption difference spectrum. Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the absence of SDS showed the nitrated S-100b to move faster in the presence of EDTA compared with the calcium-bound state, suggesting that the modified protein does bind Ca2+ although it does not undergo a major conformational change in response to Ca2+ addition. In contradistinction, Zn2+ binding was not influenced by nitration, as demonstrated by aromatic c.d. and u.v.-difference spectroscopy. It is clear from this study that the single tyrosine residue in S-100b is critical to sense the Ca2+-induced conformational changes in the protein.

Pharmacokinetics of pentachlorophenol in man

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was given orally to three volunteers at single doses of 3.9, 4.5, 9, and 18.8 mg. Daily urinary excretion of PCP and PCP conjugated to glucuronic acid was monitored using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD). Based on first-order elimination kinetics an elimination half-life of 20 days was derived. To eliminate interference by the uncontrolled absorption of PCP from the environment 0.98 mg 13C-PCP was taken by one of the volunteers. PCP levels in urine and plasma were determined using mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with negative chemical ionization. An elimination half-life of 17 days was found in both urine and blood. The collected data were used to calculate the clearance of PCP: a value of 0.07 ml/min was found. The long elimination half-life of PCP is explained by the low urinary clearance due to the high plasma protein binding (greater than 96%) and the tubular reabsorption. The pH-dependency of the elimination of PCP was investigated, and a distinct increase in the daily excretion was observed following alkalinization by oral administration of sodium bicarbonate. In order to elucidate the role of the enterohepatic circulation as a possible pool for PCP in humans, the bile of cholelithiasis patients with postoperative T-drainage was investigated for PCP and compared with the corresponding urine and plasma levels, but no accumulation of PCP in the enterohepatic circulation could be observed. The daily elimination and plasma levels of PCP in a group of individuals without a specific exposition were found to range from 10 to 48 micrograms/day and 19 to 36 micrograms/1, respectively.

Comparative calcium binding and conformational studies of turkey and rabbit skeletal troponin C

Troponin C from turkey skeletal muscle has been compared with its chicken counterpart in terms of amino acid composition and fragmentation patterns and with rabbit TN-C by Ca2+ binding and conformational response to Ca2+ as monitored by CD and fluorescence. Cyanogen bromide and tryptic digestion mixtures of chicken and turkey TN-C have been separated by reversed-phase HPLC. The similarity of the elution profiles, along with the almost identical amino acid compositional data, suggest that the sequences are essentially equivalent. Both turkey and rabbit TN-C bound 2 mol Ca2+/mol protein at pH 5.3, while at pH 6.8, this figure was raised to 4 mol/mol protein. Circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements indicated that the conformations of the two proteins responded in a very similar manner to the presence of Ca2+.

Affinity gel titration: quantitative analysis of the binding equilibrium between immobilized protein and free ligand by a continuous titration procedure

A new method, called affinity gel titration, for analyzing the specific interaction between an immobilized protein and a ligand molecule is presented. Only one or two experimental runs permit the determination of not only the equilibrium constant but also the amount of immobilized protein. A suspension of the immobilized protein on agarose gel beads is confined in a constant volume mixing cell. A solution of a specific ligand molecule of constant concentration is introduced into the cell so that its concentration in the cell increases continuously (as in a mixing chamber for forming a convex gradient). The correlation between the concentration of the ligand in the efflux and the cumulative volume of the efflux can be analyzed either by regression to a theoretical curve or by a graphical method. Specific binding of p-aminobenzamidine to immobilized Streptomyces griseus trypsin was studied by this method. The dissociation constant and the amount of active trypsin were determined. The values obtained were in good agreement with the inhibition constant obtained by a kinetic experiment with free trypsin and with the amount of active site measured by using p-nitrophenyl p'-guanidinobenzoate, respectively. A single run of the titration procedure could be completed within 1 h.

Interaction of local anaesthetics with cytochrome oxidase studied with fluorescence quenching

The interaction of a series of eight local anaesthetics with cytochrome oxidase chosen as a membrane model protein has been studied with fluorescence technique using quinacrine as a fluorescent probe. The existence of hydrophobic interactions with a non polar region of cytochrome oxidase complex has been shown. The ability of the drug molecules to displace quinacrine bound to cytochrome oxidase correlate as closely with their anaesthetic potency as with their octanol-water partition coefficient. Our results are in good agreement with a recent model of local anaesthetic action on nerve membranes presenting a site of anaesthesia including both lipid binding and protein binding environments.

Salicylate protein binding in serum from young and elderly subjects as measured by diafiltration

The protein binding of salicylate was measured by continuous ultrafiltration (diafiltration) at 22 degrees C in serum obtained from 5 healthy young (mean age: 27 years) and 5 healthy elderly (mean age: 73 years) male volunteers. Unbound salicylate increased disproportionately with increasing total salicylate concentration, up to 7000 mumol, in all sera. The fraction bound of salicylate was significantly lower in sera from elderly but this was not due to decreased albumin or total protein concentrations. The binding of salicylate to serum proteins was characterized by two classes of binding sites. The high affinity site had an association constant of either 9490 l/mol (young) or 7560 l/mol (elderly) and the number of binding sites was either 4.7 (young) or 3.7 (elderly). The total binding capacity of the low affinity site, 112 l/mol, in sera from elderly was significantly less than the binding capacity, 631 l/mol, in sera from young. Differences in binding capacity of the low affinity site partially accounted for a two to three-fold increase in the salicylate free fraction in elderly sera. These data suggest that age-related differences in serum protein binding may influence salicylate pharmacokinetics.